Perched among the trees on a secluded hillside cul de sac, this iconic glass and steel masterpiece offers a living experience unlike anything else in Austin. Featured on HGTV and the filming location for several documentaries, this architect designed home is both a work of art and a successful short term rental, offering the opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary private retreat while generating income when not in use. Originally designed as an architect's personal residence, the home features soaring 30 foot glass walls and 11 sliding glass doors that blur the line between indoors and out, creating a true treehouse experience. Expansive decks and patios surround the home with panoramic Hill Country and greenbelt views, while a dramatic rock wall and bridge entry create an unforgettable first impression. A private trail leads to Indian Creek with seasonal waterfalls and swimming holes. The upstairs primary suite offers three private decks, while the downstairs retreat features floor to ceiling glass, an open air shower with three rain shower heads, and a jetted soaking tub for two. Recent updates include a standing seam metal roof in 2024, a new HVAC system in 2023 with an upstairs mini split, and a new dishwasher in 2025. A rare second lot conveys with the sale, providing space for a guest house, pool, workshop, or additional privacy. Located in Apache Shores, residents enjoy private Lake Austin access with a boat launch, lakeside park, pool, tennis and basketball courts, volleyball, soccer, disc golf, and a clubhouse. Just minutes from Lake Travis, Lakeway, the Hill Country Galleria, and about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, this one of a kind property offers exceptional architecture, natural beauty, and investment potential.
Apache Shores, located between Lake Austin and the Hill Country, is a lakeside and hilltop Austin neighborhood with private boat ramps and winding, oak-lined roads. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around the Apache Shores Property Owners Association park and boat ramp, where kayaks, fishing gear, and sunset conversations set the tone. Homes lean ranch-style and contemporary updates, often on sloped lots with decks angled toward the water. The landscape reads as limestone, live oaks, and narrow lanes that feel removed from the city grid. Lake Austin access shapes daily routines, from paddle launches to weekend tie-ups. A short drive up Ranch Road 620 adds local staples like The Oasis on Lake Travis, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, and Hudson’s on the Bend.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Ceiling fans
Entrance foyer
High ceilings
Interior steps
Main level primary
Multiple primary suites
Multiple closets
Open floorplan
Pantry
Recessed lighting
Storage
Soaking tub
Smart thermostat
Vaulted ceilings
Walk-in closets
High speed internet
Blinds
Insulated windows
Bedrooms
One main-level bedroom
Multiple primary suites
Bathrooms
Two full bathrooms
Soaking tub
Kitchen
Cooktop
Electric oven
Electric range
Dishwasher
Disposal
Microwave
Stainless steel appliances
Pantry
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Washer hookup
Electric dryer hookup
Laundry closet
In-hall laundry
Lower-level laundry
Flooring
Carpet-free
Concrete floors
Wood floors
Heating & cooling
Central heating
Heat pump
Central air
Has heating
Has cooling
Exterior features
Balcony
Exterior steps
Private yard
Covered deck
Front porch
Patio
Porch
Balcony (listed under patios/porches)
Shed(s)
Storage
Back yard fencing
Partial fencing
Wrought iron fencing
Community pool
Cul-de-sac lot
Backs to greenbelt/park
Private lot
Many trees
Views
Has view
Home design
Two stories
Faces northwest
Slab foundation
Parking
Boat parking available
Outside parking
See remarks for additional parking details
Five parking spaces (total)
Construction
Metal roof
Glass construction details
Built (year per public records)
Utilities
Electricity available
Public water
Septic tank
HOA & community
Homeowners association: Apache Shores
Annual association fee of $45
Association fee covers common area maintenance
Community features: Fishing, Internet access, Lake, Playground, Park, Pool, Sport courts, Tennis courts, Trails/paths
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Welcome to 2803 Manitou Drive - where art and architecture meet to form one of the most unique contemporary homes in Austin. Wake up to stunning sunrises and go through the entire day surrounded by the natural beauty of the outdoors. Massive 30ft glass walls with 11 sets of sliding glass doors give a treehouse feel and blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. This glass and steel home, designed and built as an architect's personal residence, has been featured on HGTV and was the central filming location for an upcoming movie set to debut soon. A hillside resort-style home that's set back from a cul-de-sac drive and hidden among the trees provides serenity and privacy. A dramatic rock wall and bridge entrance to the home make for amazing settings. Decks and patios on all four sides of the house - each with their own “one-with-nature" views including panoramic long distance views of the greenbelt and outward to the horizon. As one of the few homes in the area with private access to the Indian Creek hiking trail, a spring-fed creek and waterfalls can be enjoyed year-round right outside your doorstep. A rare second lot that has abundant potential and opportunity on its own (pool, workshop, boat parking, enclosed storage, or could even support another full-sized home or guest home). Low restrictions and even the possibility of short term rental. Located in the trendy community of Apache Shores, live 5 minutes from Lake Travis and 3 minutes from Lake Austin. Amenities include Lake Austin access via a resident-only launch for boats, kayaks, etc. Also included is a beautiful lake park, children’s park, 18-hole disc golf course, volleyball court, soccer field, community hall, swimming pool, tennis, and basketball courts. Exemplary Lake Travis ISD. Minutes to downtown Austin, the Hill Country Galleria, Lakeway or Four Points with a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind oasis. RARE SECOND LOT CONVEYS WITH SALE
Public Records
Jan 26, 2007
Sold
*
$177/sq ft
Public Records
Mar 29, 2000
Sold
*
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$12,656
$182,341 + $597,015
$779,356
2025
$12,656 (−4.6%)
$182,341 + $597,015
$779,356
2024
$13,260 (−20.4%)
$150,000 + $675,882
$825,882
2023
$16,652 (+151.0%)
$337,500 + $728,179
$1,065,679
2022
$6,635 (+4.9%)
2021
$6,325 (+3.7%)
2020
$6,099 (+2.6%)
$42,000 + $277,582
$319,582
2019
$5,944 (+6.0%)
2018
$5,606 (+9.0%)
2017
$5,142 (+10.0%)
2016
$4,674 (+15.9%)
2014
$4,034 (−3.0%)
2013
$4,157 (+11.8%)
2012
$3,719 (−8.0%)
$23,000 + $172,084
$195,084
2011
$4,043 (−15.4%)
2010
$4,779
2009
$4,779
Public record
Beds
—
Baths
2
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.54 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
1,638
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
1,638
Year built
2004
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Travis County
APN
149924
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Oct 22, 2026.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
3/10 Fire Factor
0.31% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
8/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 108° expected this year, 23 days in 30 years
6/10 Wind Factor
73% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Austin, TX • 78734
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
60
39
71
47
82
57
82
63
87
67
93
75
94
75
96
74
93
69
88
63
77
55
69
48
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
74/ 100
Good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
7.9 hrs
4.5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 2803 Manitou Dr
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently listed between $479,000 and $1,199,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $479K to $1.2M.